Zero-Turn Mowers – Is a right choice for you?
Are you in need of a new mower? Perhaps you’ve been considering a John Deere EZtrak Zero-Turn Mower, but aren’t sure if it is the right choice for you. We’ll help you understand what a zero-turn mower is and what it can do, so you can make the best choice for your yard.
What is a zero-turn mower?
The name ‘zero-turn’ refers to the mower’s turning radius. A zero-degree turn radius means that a zero-turn mower can turn within its own footprint. In other words, the mower essentially turns on the spot, allowing for greater maneuverability and increased productivity.
One of the easiest ways to recognise a zero-turn mower is through the two control levers, which are used in place of a traditional steering wheel. These levers independently control the rear wheels. Most people become comfortable with their steering after just a few uses. It’s simple — when you push the right level forward, your right wheel will move forward. When you pull the levers back, you will reverse. Driving in a straight line is a matter of applying the same amount of pressure to both levers.
Zero-turn mowers can be used by anyone, from homeowners to professional landscape contractors. Able to save time and provide a satisfying moving experience, zero-turn mowers are growing in popularity, and offer a variety of advantages over other ride-on mowers.
Is a zero-turn mower right for me?
Generally speaking, zero-turn mowers are great for anyone who wants to spend less time mowing. Many zero-turn mowers are suited to larger commercial landscapes, but some of the smaller models provide practical use in residential yards, gardens, and small pieces of land, too.
In order to figure out if a zero-turn mower is right for your needs, let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons of a John Deere EZtrak Zero-Turn mower.
Advantages:
- High durability — EZtrak mowers endure hundreds of hours of testing, and undergo a twelve-step paint process. That means they can stand up to time, weather, and wear. Plus, the mower decks are forged in one piece from pure steel, which are engineered for improved airflow and cut-quality.
- Comfort — Cushioned, high-back seats with adjustable arm rests offer a comfortable mowing experience, while the shock absorbers help to minimise vibration, and the wide rear types provide a smooth ride at a fast pace.
- Superior maneuverability — The zero-point turning axis allows you to turn on the spot, leaving no uncut areas behind. You can carefully and precisely access even the trickiest parts of your lawn. You can even spin 180 degrees to come back without reversing, and mow in a single pass.
- Easy to operate — Most zero-turn users say that they are able to confidently steer their mower with the control levers after only a few uses.
- Time-saving — EZtrak mowers are flexible and easy to handle, allowing you to quickly and easily complete your mowing. Plus, you can find the mower best suited to your needs, with travel speeds being as high as 14.5km/h.
- Range of uses — The variety of EZtrak models are able to handle a wide range of uses. They can be refined enough to cut closely to obstacles (like trees, bushes, or garden beds), but powerful enough to efficiently manage wide expanses of land.
Disadvantages:
- Not suited to slopes — EZtrak mowers are not recommended for yards that slope at angles of 10 to 15 degrees. (If you’re not sure how sloped your land is, picture a road. Most roads do not slope more than 10 degrees.) If you only have limited areas that slope steeply, you could possibly complement your zero-turn mower with a walk-behind or hand trimmer. But using your zero-turn on a slope could cause the mower to slide, skid, or rollover.
- Not suited to damp grass — Again, your zero-turn mower requires the traction of flat, dry land. Wet terrain can increase the likelihood of losing control.
- Not suited to small areas — Even the smallest cutting deck of a zero-turn mower may not be appropriate for particularly small yards. Plus, you need to consider whether the cost of an EZtrak is worth it, when a smaller and more affordable walk-behind might be better for your needs.
To summarise:
If you have a yard that can’t be comfortably tended to with a walk-behind mower, if you have wide open spaces that need to be managed, if you need to be able to maneuver in and around obstacles, and if you want to cut your mowing time in half — a zero-turn mower could be perfect for you.
But if your land is very small, sloped, or typically damp, you might need to consider other options. Come have a chat with us if you’re unsure!
The STIHL Shop Geebung range:
We have a huge selection of John Deere EZtrak Zero-Turn Mowers available at STIHL Shop Geebung. Different series are designed for different purposes, so ask us about finding your perfect model.
Powerful and precise, our EZtrak mowers have engine power ranging from 14.9kW (20-hp) to 20.1kw (27hp), and travel speed ranging from 11.3km/h to 14.5km/h. Another important consideration is the width of the cutting deck. Too wide, and you could struggle getting into the nooks of your yard. Too narrow, and you might not benefit from the great time-saving aspect of your mower.
A zero-turn mower can provide greater efficiency, better cut-quality, and an enjoyable ride. No matter what John Deere zero-turn mower you choose, you can rest assured you are getting a machine designed to meet your needs. Come see the team at STIHL Shop Geebung to learn more.